Down Hammock

ABSTRACT

An outer layer of fabric may be disposed under an inner layer of fabric with insulation disposed between the outer and inner layers of fabric. The insulation and fabric may be sewn in a baffling pattern to minimize insulation clumping and to maximize the retention of heat within the hammock. The disclosed embodiments may provide an insulated sleeping hammock suitable for backpacking and other forms of camping. Unique folding seam patterns provide strong attachment end points such that the hammock may be securely fastened to a pair of poles or trees. The unique folding seam patterns provide arm rests for a user as well as a strong anchor point for a zipper or hook and loop attachment system along the longitudinal edges of the hammock, allowing a user to close the sides for added warmth and protection from the elements.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

This application includes material which is subject or may be subject tocopyright and/or trademark protection. The copyright and trademarkowner(s) has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any of thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officefiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trademarkrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to combination hammock and sleeping bagsystems. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of uniquematerials, design configurations and methods to construct a versatilehammock that is compact and well suited for sleeping in cold weather.

(2) Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 1,071,764 by Lowrimore was granted on Sep. 2, 1913 anddiscloses blankets integrated with a hammock, but is difficult tomanufacture and to roll into a compact form factor for traveling.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,675,256 by Tallarico et al granted on Jul. 11, 1972discloses a sleeping bag attached to suspension lines, but thesuspension lines, when under tension, are painful to the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,902 by Hall et al discloses a tent, sleeping bag andhammock system that requires the use and attachment of several ropes toattach and is rather complex to assemble.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,909 by Jacobson granted on Nov. 21, 1978 discloses aflexible support system to support a user of a combination sleeping bagand hammock system. The Jacobson patent uses awkward flexible supportmembers that do no provide means for compact storage when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,465 by Lyons granted on Dec. 17, 1991 discloses asuspendable sleeping bag. But, Lyons uses bulky and inflatable chambersfor support. The inflatable chambers are prone to leaks, especially whenexposed to the rigors of camping or backpacking.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,182 by Brenner et al granted on Feb. 20, 2007discloses a suspended sleeping bag with a rope support system. TheBrenner disclosure requires difficult rope and/or fastener adjustmentsthat are extremely time consuming and require adequate lighting.

While then general concept of an insulated sleeping system taking theform of a hammock is well known and repeated in the prior art citedabove, the prior art fails to suggest or disclose an efficient formfactor and assembly system that is both comfortable, easy to set up,light weight and compact for storage.

The prior art backpacking hammocks are not waterproof and often sufferfrom CBS or cold bottom syndrome wherein a user suffers from coldweather.

Thus, there is room in the art for the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art bypresenting an unobvious and unique combination, configuration and use ofbaffling, baffle sizing, support systems, fastener systems, materialselections and other systems to produce a superior sleeping system thatcomports to the needs of backpackers and cold weather campingenthusiasts.

The known related art fails to disclose, suggest or teach the use of thedisclosed systems, methods and materials. Disclosed embodiments mayinclude the use of rip stop nylon cord, such as 2.2 oz Hex70 XL, 1.1 ozripstop nylon, two carabiners, a 6 mm accessory cord, such as one madeby New England, 850 fill downtek and eno atlas straps. The downtickwater replant down was found to have superior insulation propertiesafter extensive research and undue experimentation.

Disclosed embodiments include a design of approximately a gross size of5.5 feet by 12 feet for an outer layer of 2.2 hex ripstop and an innerlayer of 1.1 ripstop. Insulation, such as 850 downteck may be disposedbetween the inner and outer layers. Fold over sections may act asperimeter barriers and keep the insulation between the inner and outerlayers. The insulation may be further contained by use of baffling. Theuse of one foot by one foot squares of baffling achieved unexpectedlyexcellent results.

Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the related art byproviding a comfortable, lightweight, warm and compact sleeping solutionthat eschews the use of separate tents and sleeping pads. Disclosedembodiments overcome shortfalls in the art by being water proof, wellinsulated, holding over 500 pounds, being ten times stronger than otherhammocks, having a gross weight of 2.4 pounds and having a compacttravel form factor suitable for backpacking. The attachment systemcomports to the safety needs of rock climbers who may be suspended overgreat heights.

Disclosed embodiments may use a rip stop fabric due to having waterproofqualities and being approximately ten times stronger than nylon taffeta.However, disclosed embodiments do include the use of nylon taffeta.

The disclosed embodiments take into consideration the interplay of howdenier and the tensile strength of fabrics (or tensility) interact tosuspend human weight in a hammock form factor. Tested fabrics includedNylon Taffeta (70D), Nylon Ripstop (70D) and Cuben (Not specified).Equations used to find the optimal embodiments include:

Denier=weight (in grams) of 9000 m of yarn=Volume×Specific Gravity(S.G.)=9000 m×10 2

cm/m×A (cm 2)×S.G.

Tensility=g/d=g/[9*10 5 cm×A (cm 2)×S.G.]

Solving for Force vs. Area (stress) Stress @ Break=g/A (g/cm 2)=9*10 5cm×Tensility×S.G.=F/A (psi)=12,800×specific gravity×Tensility (gpd)

Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the art by use of bafflingsizing that is not obvious to one skilled in the art. By use of undulyextensive experimentation and field use, baffling sizing of one foot byone foot is found to be unexpectedly optimal. Factors that areconsidered in this optimal sizing include compression vs. clumping, heatretention, crease points vs. heat retention, crease points vs. compactform factor when stuffed in a stuff bag, comfort, and crushing of thebaffling vs. heat retention. Baffling of two feet by two feet is thesecond embodiment and baffling of five inches by three inches is thethird embodiment.

Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the related art by use of afirst outside or upper fabric, a layer of insulation, a second inside orlower layer of fabric; with baffling partitioned over the entirety ofthe first and second layers or the entirety of the hammock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an upper, middle and lowercomponent system

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of a construction configuration

FIG. 3 depicts a plan view of an optimal quilt or fabric configuration

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a disclosed embodiment

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a disclosed embodiment

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a disclosed embodiment

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a disclosed embodiment in a closedposition

FIG. 8 depicts a chart showing optimal sizes of baffles

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   100 disclosed embodiment in general    -   120 disclosed embodiment in a closed position    -   130 zipper or other fastener    -   200 top or outer layer of fabric    -   300 middle layer of insulation    -   320 first side layer of fabric    -   340 second side layer of fabric    -   400 inner layer of fabric    -   500 first fold over fabric    -   530 second fold over fabric    -   600 baffle pattern    -   700 rope end    -   800 storage sack

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with theassociated drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims andtheir equivalents. In this description, reference is made to thedrawings wherein like parts are designated with like numeralsthroughout.

Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all ofthe terms used in the specification and the claims will have themeanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when usedin this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and notto any particular portions of this application.

Referring to FIG. 1 a top or first layer 200 of fabric is disposed overa lower, inside or second section or layer 400 of fabric. The void 300defined by the first and second layers of fabric may be filled withinsulation, such as down feathers or the preferred embodiment of 850downteck or similar material.

The top layer 200 may be made of 2.2 hex ripstop and the bottom orinside layer 400 may be made of 1.1 ripstop.

Referring to FIG. 2, fold outlines of both top 200 and bottom 400 layersof fabric are shown. Insulation may be contained by use of side folds320 and 340 and top and bottom folds 500 and 530 with such fold spanningthe space or void 300 between the top and bottom layers. The use of thedisclosed fold system overcomes shortfalls in the related art byproviding efficient means of securing the insulation between the firstand second layers of fabric and by providing living hinges or livingseams to allow for packing the embodiment into a stuff sack fortransport and for providing a base for application of a zipper toenclose the cover system for cold weather. The top and bottom fold seamsprovide secure means of attachment points for ropes and other means ofsecuring the system to posts or trees. The side seams 320 and 340 alsoprovide advantages over the prior art in providing arm rests for a userof the system. When an embodiment is in use, an occupant may rest theirarms along the relatively flat planes presented by use of side seams 320and 340.

FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of a one foot by one foot bafflingpattern. This pattern provides unexpectedly excellent results inmaximizing heat retention while minimizing clumping of the down materialand providing an excellent seam to flat fabric ration for quickcompaction for storage and transport. The seam or baffling patterns of a9 to 14 inch square pattern or approximately one foot by one footprovides unexpected results, especially after 20 minutes, as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 4 depicts a disclosed embodiment 100 in an open position. The foldseams 320, 340, 500 and 530 shown in FIG. 2 provide excellent support insuspending the embodiment by attachment to the two ends. In oneembodiment, ropes or cords alone the longitudinal section of the fabricis not needed due to the unexpected strength of the fold seams shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view showing attachment points or rope ends700 with the rope ends having a first end for attachment to a pole ortree and a second end attached to the fold seams. A disclosed embodimentmay fit into a relatively small stuff bag 800.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment in a folded 120 state. A zipper 130 orother means of securing the two longitudinal sides together is securelyfastened due to the use of the side folding seams, providing a stronganchor plane. The use of the folding seams also facilities the tacoshape that is achieved is a closed or zipped position. This shapeprovides amply warmth and protection from the elements, vitiating theneed for a user to need a separate tent structure.

FIG. 8 depicts a chart showing the unexpectedly excellent results withbaffling in the range of 9 inch to 14 inch squares. Baffling patterns of5 in.×3 in., 1 ft×1 ft and 2 ft×2 ft were rigorously tested. At 20minutes, the benefits of a 1 ft×1 ft baffling pattern stand out. This isnot an obviously expected result as the 1 ft×1 ft baffle pattern isneither the biggest or smallest. The found pattern of one foot squaresis against the current trend of ski jackets having very small 3 in×3 inbaffling patterns. Thus, the current art of baffling teaches away fromthe preferred baffle pattern of the disclosed embodiments.

The outer or first fabric may be known by a tradename of 2.2 oz. Hex70XL Ripstop Nylon and an inner layer may be known by the tradename 1.1Ripstop Nylon. No known trademarks are involved with the materials usedin making the disclosed embodiment. The outer layer may be disposedunder the inner layer such that when an embodiment is zipped up or heldin place by a hook and loop fastener, the outer layer is exposed to theelements and the inner layer is next to, adjacent to or touching theoccupant.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whilesteps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments mayperform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of theinvention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only thesystems described herein. The various embodiments described herein canbe combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes canbe made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

All the above references and U.S. patents and applications areincorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts ofthe various patents and applications described above to provide yetfurther embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove detailed description. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detaileddescription explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scopeof the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms.

The following items describe disclosed embodiments.

Items.

1. An insulated and collapsible hammock (100) suited for backpacking andfor suspension upon two raised points, the hammock comprising:

a) an outer layer of fabric (200);b) an inner layer of fabric (400);c) the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabric defining a void(300) with the void filed with a layer of insulation;d) both the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabric comprising afirst longitudinal seam fold (320), a second longitudinal seam fold(340), a first end seam fold (500) and a second end seam fold (530);e) all four seam folds in a folded position so as to contain theinsulation;f) the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabric further securingthe insulation by use of baffling squares of 9 to 14 inches per side;andg) a connection line (700) secured within first end seam fold and aconnection line (700) secured within the second seam fold.

2. The hammock of item 1 further comprising a zipper attached to outerlongitudinal edges of the first longitudinal seam fold and the secondlongitudinal seam fold.

3. The hammock of item 1 further comprising a hook and loop attachmentsystem attached to outer longitudinal edges of the first longitudinalseam fold and the second longitudinal seam fold.

4. The hammock of item 1 wherein the baffle pattern is comprised ofsquares having sides in the range of 10 to 14 inches.

5. The hammock of item 1 wherein the four seam folds provide an area tocomport with thickness of the insulation.

6. The hammock of item 1 wherein the outer layer is comprised of 2.2 hexripstop nylon.

7. The hammock of item 1 wherein the inner layer is comprised of 1.1ripstop nylon.

8. The hammock of item 1 wherein the insulation comprises down feathers.

9. The hammock of item 1 wherein the insulation comprises 850 downteckdown feathers.

What is claimed is:
 1. An insulated and collapsible hammock (100) suitedfor backpacking and for suspension upon two raised points, the hammockcomprising: a) an outer layer of fabric (200); b) an inner layer offabric (400); c) the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabricdefining a void (300) with the void filed with a layer of insulation; d)both the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabric comprising afirst longitudinal seam fold (320), a second longitudinal seam fold(340), a first end seam fold (500) and a second end seam fold (530); e)all four seam folds in a folded position so as to contain theinsulation; f) the outer layer of fabric and inner layer of fabricfurther securing the insulation by use of baffling squares of 9 to 14inches per side; and g) a connection line (700) secured within first endseam fold and a connection line (700) secured within the second seamfold.
 2. The hammock of claim 1 further comprising a zipper attached toouter longitudinal edges of the first longitudinal seam fold and thesecond longitudinal seam fold.
 3. The hammock of claim 1 furthercomprising a hook and loop attachment system attached to outerlongitudinal edges of the first longitudinal seam fold and the secondlongitudinal seam fold.
 4. The hammock of claim 1 wherein the bafflepattern is comprised of squares having sides in the range of 10 to 14inches.
 5. The hammock of claim 1 wherein the four seam folds provide anarea to comport with thickness of the insulation.
 6. The hammock ofclaim 1 wherein the outer layer is comprised of 2.2 hex ripstop nylon.7. The hammock of claim 1 wherein the inner layer is comprised of 1.1ripstop nylon.
 8. The hammock of claim 1 wherein the insulationcomprises down feathers.
 9. The hammock of claim 1 wherein theinsulation comprises 850 downteck down feathers.